I started attending the WCG and my first Feast Of Tabernacles in 1981 at age 6. But watching this video sure brings back a lot of good memories of the Feast at the Poconos from '81-'85!
+Ron Miesner , I'm glad you enjoyed it. I was only 8 when this was taken. It was the first of 5 feasts we attended in the Poconos until we left the wcg in 1977. I wish you all the best.
I also attended these all through the 70's......I was just 5 years old in 72 but still remember going. Like others, sitting all day in the service was not fun for a little kid.
Hi Jesse, did you attend there at the Poconos? I loved going on vacation to these things. I was in the church from age 6 to age 19. I especially enjoyed Jekyll Island, Ga, and went to Virginia Beach (Norfolk) too. I left the church at age 19 or 20, but I liked traveling.
My family attended the Poconos FOT every year in the early 70s. Saratoga Springs and other sites later on. (I stopped attending the church in 1979.) I was a young lad, and I always enjoyed the FOT. Hated the services, but loved the social gatherings. Thanks for posting this video, although I didn't see anyone I recognized, the traffic/parking attendant cracked me up (my dad always seemed to get stuck directing traffic in the rain!). The Mt. Pocono church was our weekly site for a few years.
I remember the Feast of Tabernacles of 1972. However, we were assigned to the Wisconsin, Dells feast site. That was the first year for the Feast of Tabernacles in Wisconsin, Dells. There were 14,000 people all crammed into that building. Even though the very same type and style of building was in the Dells, and it was about 5-miles outside of downtown Dells on Route 23, I think. The traffic was absolutely CRAZY! The back-up created from all the cars was horrific! Even worse, it was compromised by the fact that they working to expand the ONLY bridge over the Wisconsin River from 2 to 4 lanes. So, only one lane was open for traffic and that single lane had to let one side go while the other side waited. Being in a tornado and/or hurricane would have been preferable. The Wisconsin Dells, Lake Delton area had a total population of about 3,300 people. The WCG brought in 14,000 people OFF-SEASON. That first year... let's face it, we were a wrecking ball, and the entire area experienced a wrecking ball for under estimating the situation. However, Miley Cirus thank us. I mean, that's why she did the song, "Wrecking Ball," wasn't it? And, what about those double services, EVERY day?! Oh my goodness! You talk about putting families through torture. We were a family of 8, with 5 boys in a Chevrolet Caprice Wagon pulling a U-Haul trailer. It took 10 to 11 hours to travel nearly 500-miles from the Detroit area. Actually, I do remember it being 480-miles exactly. (Memories... some things just stick). I remember the first time I drove that distance alone with my first car. I made that drive in 6 and half hours, (Ahem). I think the speed limit was 65 miles an hour. So, I averaged about 73 miles an hour. I was being a good WCG'er, lol! However, I should let you know that my car was equipped with both front and rear radar detectors, as well as a two-way CB radio (Cobra 29 LED Classic with SSB and a 400-watt 3-stage kicker all being pushed through a Wilson 1000 antenna. Or, was that a K40 at that time. I forget which one I had at that time). So, you see, I knew where smokey was well in advance. (How's it going Officer? Um, yes, nice day Officer!) Two-way radios make a long trip go by really fast, and one enjoys the OTR trip much more. Nevertheless, the family did attend the Feast of Tabernacles at least three times that I can remember at the Mount Pokemon-wallet (Pocono) festival site. I think one year the Detroit area was even assigned there. It was just about the same distance. We stayed at a place called RIM ROCK. There were a lot of A-Frame type cottages in that place, and it had a kitchen so mom ended up doing what she was doing at home even at the Feast; stuck in the kitchen feeding the family for most of the Feast, because she had to have breakfast ready before the 10am service and then lunch between all of those wrecking ball double services. Sheesh! Everyday was a double service. That was a terrible idea. I remember when they backed off from double services everyday to only having double services on only the high days. That still was a terrible idea, and the reason why I say that is because the time between services was only 2 and half hours. From 12PM, the end of the morning service IF, IF, IF, the speaker ended on time. (I remember this one pastor-type-dude going a half an hour over. That was COMPLETELY rude to everyone). The second service began at 2:30PM. Why not 3, or even 3:30PM? How is it that they could not see all of the extra pressure they were putting on the people, not to mention a family of 8? How blind and dense does one have to be NOT to consider the many-many families with small children and their plight. The Feast of Tabernacles was meant to be focused on the Kingdom of God established on this Earth as it is in heaven. So then, how could those planning such a Festival not consider the extra load of families with small children and/or elderly people who would have to rush-rush-rush just to make into their seat when that dreaded announcement was barked... "Brethren, please find your seats. Service will begin in 5-minutes." We did attended the Feast of Tabernacles at Lake of the Ozarks, which was in the very same style of building. So, we made to all three of the sites wherein WCG has built their own Festival Site. That drive was also a longer drive that we did in two-days going, but three-day coming back home, which was nice allowing for more relaxation rather than worrying about having to put so many miles on the tires each day. Overall, I do not miss it. Although, I do have some great memories of the Wisconsin Dells festival site. I attended there for many years, and I played in the very famous and well known Wisconsin Dells orchestra. Being able to do that for as many years has a lot of stories attached with it as well, especially those that were inter-twined with one's attendance in the PUBLIC FOOL, ahem, err, um I mean, PUBLIC SCREWAL, ummm, SCHOOL system. I would share a lot concerning these things, the corporate-construct of the this world under the rules of bankruptcy, banking, volunteer suretyship, and how it all is connected; but, I shall restrain myself from going into such things here, now, at this moment. Oh the stories and the memories that not only I could tell, but what about all of the rest of you, hm? I'll just be y'all got some real wowiers, zingers, and fascinating stories to tell.
When we started attending in 1972, we didn't have double services every day, just day 1, last day, and the Sabbath. But even once every day was way to much. I'm so glad I didn't waste my entire life in that movement. We were only in the wcg for five and a half years. Since then I have become a Christian by His grace. Peace.
Thank you so much for posting this! I THINK I was there at that feast in 1972 in the Poconos, but don't see my family LOL. Good video, though, I'm sure a lot of folks will see people they recognize. I'm from WV, and I was either there or at Jeckyll Island in '72, can't remember, I was only 7 or 8 years old. Love to see more videos, if you have any more you'd like to share. Attended WWCG from age 6 to 20.
Would you happen to have any videos of any Jeckyll Island, GA FOT's? I loved Jeckyll and it's been so many years ago, love to visit there again. Iive been back to the Poconos since it's not that far away from WV. Someone has a video of Big Sandy, TX, in the early '60s on YT, but I know there was a huge tent once in Jeckyll, too. Thank you!.
Hi Kalatin, this was the first feast my family attended and the only one where dad took some footage of the actual feast site. We only attended 5 of them, all at the Poconos. I don't have too many good memories of the feast, I'm sorry to say, but I posted this because the site was torn down many years ago and I look at it as a piece of history, both in my life and the Poconos.
Creepy I was there Went seven times Very, very dark time Curious what local "church" the filmer attended I recognize some of those on the film Very, very creepy A hair less scary than Jonestown, but not that much
+Chad Blaster , just saw your comment, sorry for the delay. My dad took the footage, it was our first feast and we were attending the Boston congregation at the time. We later attended the Providence congregation when it was formed until we left the cult in 1977.
Hello Raybo1018. Could I have your permission to use a couple of minutes of your video? I'm putting together a brief video about our upcoming FOT in the Poconos area and would love to include a "historical snapshot" as part of my project... Thank you for your consideration! Jonathan McNair
i was 11 or 12 . i think that year Mom and I stayed in a Tent it was so rainy then we stayed in a House where a woman took in people then Mom and I had some creepy feelings there so we went back and stayed in the tent our selves
@@raybo1018 Thank you for responding, my religious and emotional water boarding within WWCG began with me at age 2 , in 1966 , schooling was a nightmare , my dad hated what my mom was into but was held emotionally in a hostage situation…hotdogs remind me of the ones I couldn’t have on hotdog day in school , because of the pork, …the bullying constantly..
I attended there in 1973 had a great time. I never found the church all that bad. My friend glen was at this one.
I started attending the WCG and my first Feast Of Tabernacles in 1981 at age 6. But watching this video sure brings back a lot of good memories of the Feast at the Poconos from '81-'85!
Glad it brought back good memories. My memories of the wcg are primarily negative, but God is merciful. I will leave it at that. God bless.
Thanks for bringing back very happy memories of a happy time. Great video.
Glad you liked it. Thanks for commenting
Thanks for posting this. I was there in 1968 and was on parking
my dad did parking for the feasts in 72, 73, & 74. We only went to 2 more feasts after that
Brings back fond memories of all the people we met at the FOT. We still keep the Feast as God commands but in much smaller groups.
+Ron Miesner , I'm glad you enjoyed it. I was only 8 when this was taken. It was the first of 5 feasts we attended in the Poconos until we left the wcg in 1977. I wish you all the best.
+raybo1018 I left Worldwide in 1981 but am still a member of God's church, just a much smaller group. We need God more than ever these days. Stay safe
Do you know a Dan Purdy knew a group that met in Hagerstown MD.
Glad you are staying faithful I came into the church in 1967
I was 3 years old there
I also attended these all through the 70's......I was just 5 years old in 72 but still remember going. Like others, sitting all day in the service was not fun for a little kid.
Hi Jesse, did you attend there at the Poconos? I loved going on vacation to these things. I was in the church from age 6 to age 19. I especially enjoyed Jekyll Island, Ga, and went to Virginia Beach (Norfolk) too. I left the church at age 19 or 20, but I liked traveling.
Only went to Pocono facility. I stopped going when I was 14 but my mom continued for many years later and had visited several others.
My family attended the Poconos FOT every year in the early 70s. Saratoga Springs and other sites later on. (I stopped attending the church in 1979.)
I was a young lad, and I always enjoyed the FOT. Hated the services, but loved the social gatherings.
Thanks for posting this video, although I didn't see anyone I recognized, the traffic/parking attendant cracked me up (my dad always seemed to get stuck directing traffic in the rain!).
The Mt. Pocono church was our weekly site for a few years.
I was 3 years old been going until I was about 15 or 16 years old always enjoy it
Love the Feasts. Poconos was my favourite. Thank you for the video. I borrowed/shared it :D
I remember the Feast of Tabernacles of 1972. However, we were assigned to the Wisconsin, Dells feast site. That was the first year for the Feast of Tabernacles in Wisconsin, Dells. There were 14,000 people all crammed into that building. Even though the very same type and style of building was in the Dells, and it was about 5-miles outside of downtown Dells on Route 23, I think. The traffic was absolutely CRAZY! The back-up created from all the cars was horrific! Even worse, it was compromised by the fact that they working to expand the ONLY bridge over the Wisconsin River from 2 to 4 lanes. So, only one lane was open for traffic and that single lane had to let one side go while the other side waited. Being in a tornado and/or hurricane would have been preferable. The Wisconsin Dells, Lake Delton area had a total population of about 3,300 people. The WCG brought in 14,000 people OFF-SEASON. That first year... let's face it, we were a wrecking ball, and the entire area experienced a wrecking ball for under estimating the situation. However, Miley Cirus thank us. I mean, that's why she did the song, "Wrecking Ball," wasn't it?
And, what about those double services, EVERY day?! Oh my goodness! You talk about putting families through torture. We were a family of 8, with 5 boys in a Chevrolet Caprice Wagon pulling a U-Haul trailer. It took 10 to 11 hours to travel nearly 500-miles from the Detroit area. Actually, I do remember it being 480-miles exactly. (Memories... some things just stick). I remember the first time I drove that distance alone with my first car. I made that drive in 6 and half hours, (Ahem). I think the speed limit was 65 miles an hour. So, I averaged about 73 miles an hour. I was being a good WCG'er, lol! However, I should let you know that my car was equipped with both front and rear radar detectors, as well as a two-way CB radio (Cobra 29 LED Classic with SSB and a 400-watt 3-stage kicker all being pushed through a Wilson 1000 antenna. Or, was that a K40 at that time. I forget which one I had at that time). So, you see, I knew where smokey was well in advance. (How's it going Officer? Um, yes, nice day Officer!) Two-way radios make a long trip go by really fast, and one enjoys the OTR trip much more.
Nevertheless, the family did attend the Feast of Tabernacles at least three times that I can remember at the Mount Pokemon-wallet (Pocono) festival site. I think one year the Detroit area was even assigned there. It was just about the same distance. We stayed at a place called RIM ROCK. There were a lot of A-Frame type cottages in that place, and it had a kitchen so mom ended up doing what she was doing at home even at the Feast; stuck in the kitchen feeding the family for most of the Feast, because she had to have breakfast ready before the 10am service and then lunch between all of those wrecking ball double services. Sheesh! Everyday was a double service. That was a terrible idea. I remember when they backed off from double services everyday to only having double services on only the high days. That still was a terrible idea, and the reason why I say that is because the time between services was only 2 and half hours. From 12PM, the end of the morning service IF, IF, IF, the speaker ended on time. (I remember this one pastor-type-dude going a half an hour over. That was COMPLETELY rude to everyone). The second service began at 2:30PM. Why not 3, or even 3:30PM? How is it that they could not see all of the extra pressure they were putting on the people, not to mention a family of 8? How blind and dense does one have to be NOT to consider the many-many families with small children and their plight. The Feast of Tabernacles was meant to be focused on the Kingdom of God established on this Earth as it is in heaven. So then, how could those planning such a Festival not consider the extra load of families with small children and/or elderly people who would have to rush-rush-rush just to make into their seat when that dreaded announcement was barked... "Brethren, please find your seats. Service will begin in 5-minutes."
We did attended the Feast of Tabernacles at Lake of the Ozarks, which was in the very same style of building. So, we made to all three of the sites wherein WCG has built their own Festival Site. That drive was also a longer drive that we did in two-days going, but three-day coming back home, which was nice allowing for more relaxation rather than worrying about having to put so many miles on the tires each day.
Overall, I do not miss it. Although, I do have some great memories of the Wisconsin Dells festival site. I attended there for many years, and I played in the very famous and well known Wisconsin Dells orchestra. Being able to do that for as many years has a lot of stories attached with it as well, especially those that were inter-twined with one's attendance in the PUBLIC FOOL, ahem, err, um I mean, PUBLIC SCREWAL, ummm, SCHOOL system. I would share a lot concerning these things, the corporate-construct of the this world under the rules of bankruptcy, banking, volunteer suretyship, and how it all is connected; but, I shall restrain myself from going into such things here, now, at this moment.
Oh the stories and the memories that not only I could tell, but what about all of the rest of you, hm? I'll just be y'all got some real wowiers, zingers, and fascinating stories to tell.
When we started attending in 1972, we didn't have double services every day, just day 1, last day, and the Sabbath. But even once every day was way to much. I'm so glad I didn't waste my entire life in that movement. We were only in the wcg for five and a half years. Since then I have become a Christian by His grace. Peace.
@loritowber19where did the basket money go to?
Ahaha. Good story.
Thank you so much for posting this! I THINK I was there at that feast in 1972 in the Poconos, but don't see my family LOL. Good video, though, I'm sure a lot of folks will see people they recognize. I'm from WV, and I was either there or at Jeckyll Island in '72, can't remember, I was only 7 or 8 years old. Love to see more videos, if you have any more you'd like to share. Attended WWCG from age 6 to 20.
That was my first FOT!
Lenny Cacchio , mine too. First of five
Thanks!
Would you happen to have any videos of any Jeckyll Island, GA FOT's? I loved Jeckyll and it's been so many years ago, love to visit there again. Iive been back to the Poconos since it's not that far away from WV. Someone has a video of Big Sandy, TX, in the early '60s on YT, but I know there was a huge tent once in Jeckyll, too. Thank you!.
Never been to Jeckyll Island.
Hi Kalatin, this was the first feast my family attended and the only one where dad took some footage of the actual feast site. We only attended 5 of them, all at the Poconos. I don't have too many good memories of the feast, I'm sorry to say, but I posted this because the site was torn down many years ago and I look at it as a piece of history, both in my life and the Poconos.
Would you happen to have any videos of Jeckyll Island, GA?
Thank you.
Who filmed this
My father
Creepy
I was there
Went seven times
Very, very dark time
Curious what local "church" the filmer attended
I recognize some of those on the film
Very, very creepy
A hair less scary than Jonestown, but not that much
+Chad Blaster , just saw your comment, sorry for the delay. My dad took the footage, it was our first feast and we were attending the Boston congregation at the time. We later attended the Providence congregation when it was formed until we left the cult in 1977.
Hello Raybo1018. Could I have your permission to use a couple of minutes of your video? I'm putting together a brief video about our upcoming FOT in the Poconos area and would love to include a "historical snapshot" as part of my project...
Thank you for your consideration!
Jonathan McNair
You may use it. But nobody in my family has kept the FOT since the 1970's. But feel free to use it if you wish.
i was 11 or 12 . i think that year Mom and I stayed in a Tent it was so rainy then we stayed in a House where a woman took in people then Mom and I had some creepy feelings there so we went back and stayed in the tent our selves
Who were the pastor's I think I was there too was maybe 6 or 7
I was in the 4th grade. never paid attention to anything that was said. Our minister was Fred Kellers at the time
I suggest you check out my last 5 videos. it's a series I'm doing about growing up in the Worldwide Church of God.
…a terrible nightmare that church was and is , plying on shame to get poor folks wallets so HWA and his son fly in leased jets …despicable
it was a six year nightmare that had lingering effects for the next 40 to this day in my family
@@raybo1018
Thank you for responding, my religious and emotional water boarding within WWCG began with me at age 2 , in 1966 , schooling was a nightmare , my dad hated what my mom was into but was held emotionally in a hostage situation…hotdogs remind me of the ones I couldn’t have on hotdog day in school , because of the pork, …the bullying constantly..
@@BeeBee-pw9ou check my videos on growing up in the wcg that I did
@@raybo1018
How can I find them?
@@raybo1018
Oh I found the channel thanks